If Heat win title, perceptions of LeBron may change

MIAMI — LeBron James has been called heartless, callous, narcissistic, cowardly and selfish.
And that was just in one letter from Dan Gilbert, the man who used to pay him to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

One more win, and James will have to be called something else: NBA champion.

It could happen Thursday, when the Miami Heat play the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Heat lead the best-of-seven series 3-1. They could clinch the championship with a win in the same arena that hosted the infamous “Yes. We. Did.” party for James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh upon their formal signings in Miami on July 9, 2010 — one day after he made the regrettable choice to announce “The Decision” in a televised special.

“I haven’t even really looked at it as just one game away,” said James, the league’s reigning MVP for a third time. “I look at it as this is our next game. As crazy as it sounds, I haven’t got caught up in it. I won’t get caught up in it because I’m not going to let … you know, the human nature is to automatically think about after we win it, what are we going to do? I’m not there. I won’t get there until those zeros hit and I see that we won.”

Vilified for both exercising his right to leave Cleveland and for the manner in which he announced the move, James has spent two years in Miami chasing that elusive first championship. He remains one of the world’s most polarizing athletes, not to mention one of the world’s best-paid both on and off the court, with his annual income recently estimated by Forbes to be $53 million.

But apparently, when it comes to LeBron James, enormous money and fame is not enough to satisfy everyone. He needs a title.

And if it happens …

“Perceptions better change, OK?” Heat forward Mike Miller said. “You would be looking at a three-time MVP and a world champion. There’s a very, very, very, very, very short list of those. A very short list. The way I’ve seen him improve in just the two years I’ve been around him, I’ve seen the maturation the whole time, and it’s a scary thought because it’s not going to stop. It’s a freight train right now.”

James’ successes are celebrated. His failures might be more celebrated.

When the Heat lost last year’s finals to the Dallas Mavericks, all the blame went James’ way, and with good reason. He averaged three points in fourth quarters of those six games. The most common complaint, one that James acknowledges is true, is that he didn’t make enough plays in the biggest moments. He managed only eight points in the loss that turned the series around and spun it in the Mavericks’ favor.

“Old Lesson for all,” Gilbert tweeted a few minutes after Dallas won the championship in Miami. “There are NO SHORTCUTS. NONE.”

Gilbert didn’t mention James by name in the tweet — or in his letter that came out shortly after The Decision. He didn’t have to, either.

The Heat are understandably biased when it comes to perceptions about James. Some of Miami’s competitors are as well.

“He does the right thing,” Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “When he makes the right pass and the guy misses the shot, he’s criticized. When he forces a shot in a double team, he’s criticized. It’s the way it is for him, for whatever reason. He’s competitive as heck. He’s one of the most powerful players to ever play the game. And maybe it isn’t enough. I don’t know.”

Rivers said he thinks only one athlete might be able to relate to what James has to deal with — Tiger Woods.

“Tiger over the last two or three years,” Rivers said. “Other than that, no one. No athlete that I can ever remember being under the scrutiny — definitely in basketball. I’ve never seen anyone under the scrutiny that LeBron James is under.”

So in these playoffs, instead of trying to defeat the scrutiny, James is trying to ignore as much of it as he can.

He hasn’t been taking phone calls or tweeting. He’s not watching much television. Instead of reading articles about him or the playoffs, he’s been reading books, something that now seems to be part of his pregame ritual. (“It slows my mind down,” James said.)

“He’s just focused, you know, just like the rest of this team,” Wade said. “He has a goal, and he wants to reach that goal, and he doesn’t want nothing to stand in his way, and he doesn’t want himself to stand in his way. He wants to make sure once you leave the game or you leave the series, you can say, I gave it my all. I don’t know if we all could have said that last season.”
James’ free-agent courtship officially lasted about a week, The Decision went on for an hour, and the words that changed so many aspects of James’ life that night took only four seconds to say that night.

“I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat,” James said, that unforgettable phrase.

He did it for this reason, for this moment, to get the ring that he’s wanted for so long. If he gets it, everything that happened over the past two years doesn’t get erased. But it may seem a lot more worthwhile.

“When you’ve got a guy who’s probably achieved all the individual accolades that you can probably achieve at the highest level of basketball and doesn’t have a title, it’s kind of like … it’s just not complete, not whole,” Heat forward Udonis Haslem said. “For him, it gives him an opportunity to close another book, another chapter in his book.”

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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Dwight Howard is the 11th and likely final Rocket to ever wear No. 12. See who is the best player to wear each jersey number in franchise history. Note: The following numbers have not been worn: 26, 28, 36-39, 46-49, 56-95, 97-99. less

Dwight Howard is the 11th and likely final Rocket to ever wear No. 12. See who is the best player to wear each jersey number in franchise history. Note: The following numbers have not been worn: 26, 28, 36-39, ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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00 - Calvin Garrett

Garrett averaged 5.3 points in two-plus years with the Rockets from 1980-1983. He started 22 games in the 1981-82 season.

00 - Calvin Garrett

Garrett averaged 5.3 points in two-plus years with the Rockets from 1980-1983. He started 22 games in the 1981-82 season.

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rockets

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0 - Aaron Brooks

The Rockets drafted Brooks out of Oregon in the first round of the 2007 draft. He averaged 12.7 points in three-plus seasons with the Rockets. Brooks was second to Kevin Martin in scoring with a 19.6 average in the 2009-10 season, when he was named the NBA's most improved player. less

0 - Aaron Brooks

The Rockets drafted Brooks out of Oregon in the first round of the 2007 draft. He averaged 12.7 points in three-plus seasons with the Rockets. Brooks was second to Kevin Martin in scoring ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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1 - Tracy McGrady

In five-plus injury-riddled seasons with the Rockets, he averaged 22.7 points and became the 12th leading scorer in franchise history with 6,888 points. He was a three-time All-Star and led the Rockets to the playoffs three times. less

1 - Tracy McGrady

In five-plus injury-riddled seasons with the Rockets, he averaged 22.7 points and became the 12th leading scorer in franchise history with 6,888 points. He was a three-time All-Star and led ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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2 - Rick Barry

His best days were played elsewhere, but Barry finished up his Hall of Fame career here in Houston. He averaged 12.8 points in two seasons.

2 - Rick Barry

His best days were played elsewhere, but Barry finished up his Hall of Fame career here in Houston. He averaged 12.8 points in two seasons.

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rockets

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3 - Steve Francis

The Rockets traded for Francis before he ever played for the Vancouver Grizzlies, who picked him second overall in 1999. He starred for five seasons in Houston, averaging 19 points a game and becoming the 11th leading scorer in franchise history. He was the 1999-00 co-Rookie of the Year and a three-time All-Star. less

3 - Steve Francis

The Rockets traded for Francis before he ever played for the Vancouver Grizzlies, who picked him second overall in 1999. He starred for five seasons in Houston, averaging 19 points a game ... more

Photo: Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle

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4 - Charles Barkley

The Hall of Famer played his final four seasons in Houston. He was a two-time All-Star with the Rockets. In the 1996-97 season, he averaged 19.2 points and 13.5 rebounds and led the Rockets to the Western Conference finals. less

4 - Charles Barkley

The Hall of Famer played his final four seasons in Houston. He was a two-time All-Star with the Rockets. In the 1996-97 season, he averaged 19.2 points and 13.5 rebounds and led the ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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5 - Cuttino Mobley

Mobley was drafted in the second round in 1998 and became the 10th leading scorer in Rockets history. He averaged 17.1 points in six years and averaged a team-best 21.7 points in 2001-02, when the Rockets went 28-54. less

5 - Cuttino Mobley

Mobley was drafted in the second round in 1998 and became the 10th leading scorer in Rockets history. He averaged 17.1 points in six years and averaged a team-best 21.7 points in 2001-02, ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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6 - Tom Henderson

Henderson wrapped up his nine-year career with four in Houston. The point guard averaged 5.6 points and 3.97 assists.

6 - Tom Henderson

Henderson wrapped up his nine-year career with four in Houston. The point guard averaged 5.6 points and 3.97 assists.

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rockets

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7 - Kyle Lowry

Picked up in mid-season 2009, Lowry became arguably the most valuable player on the team during his three-plus year run. During the 2011-12 season, Lowry averaged a career-best 14.3 points per game. less

7 - Kyle Lowry

Picked up in mid-season 2009, Lowry became arguably the most valuable player on the team during his three-plus year run. During the 2011-12 season, Lowry averaged a career-best 14.3 points per ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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8 - Eddie Johnson

Johnson finished his 17-year NBA career with two seasons in Houston. He averaged 8.4 points in 75 games in the 1997-98 season.

8 - Eddie Johnson

Johnson finished his 17-year NBA career with two seasons in Houston. He averaged 8.4 points in 75 games in the 1997-98 season.

Photo: DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP

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9 - Lionel Hollins

Hollins, best known for his time with the 76ers, finished his career with Houston in 1984-85. He averaged 7.6 points that season.

9 - Lionel Hollins

Hollins, best known for his time with the 76ers, finished his career with Houston in 1984-85. He averaged 7.6 points that season.

Photo: AP

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10 - Sam Cassell

Cassell was drafted with the 24th overall pick in 1993 and won NBA titles in his first two years with the Rockets. He averaged 10 points in his three seasons as a reserve before being traded in August 1996. less

10 - Sam Cassell

Cassell was drafted with the 24th overall pick in 1993 and won NBA titles in his first two years with the Rockets. He averaged 10 points in his three seasons as a reserve before being traded ... more

Photo: AP

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11 - Yao Ming

Yao, the No. 1 overall pick in 2002, was an All-Star in each of his eight seasons before a string of injuries forced the 7-6 center into retirement. He finished sixth in franchise history in scoring and rebounding and became an icon in his native China. less

11 - Yao Ming

Yao, the No. 1 overall pick in 2002, was an All-Star in each of his eight seasons before a string of injuries forced the 7-6 center into retirement. He finished sixth in franchise history in ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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12 -Dwight Howard

Acquired in the summer of 2013, Dwight has not disappointed as he has provided the Rockets with inside scoring and interior defense.

12 -Dwight Howard

Acquired in the summer of 2013, Dwight has not disappointed as he has provided the Rockets with inside scoring and interior defense.

Photo: Bob Levey / For the Chronicle

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13 - James Harden

Acquired just days before the 2012-13 season, Harden instantly became an elite player for the superstar-starved Rockets. The bearded shooting guard averaged 25.9 points and 5.8 assists in leading the Rockets back to the playoffs. less

13 - James Harden

Acquired just days before the 2012-13 season, Harden instantly became an elite player for the superstar-starved Rockets. The bearded shooting guard averaged 25.9 points and 5.8 assists in ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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14 - Mike Newlin

Newlin was taken in the second round of the 1971 draft and played the first eight seasons of his career in Houston. He is eighth in franchise history in scoring and was a workhorse, playing every game in four seasons. He was also one of the best free-throw shooters (87 percent) in NBA history. less

14 - Mike Newlin

Newlin was taken in the second round of the 1971 draft and played the first eight seasons of his career in Houston. He is eighth in franchise history in scoring and was a workhorse, playing ... more

Photo: AP

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15 - John Lucas

Lucas was the No. 1 draft pick by the Rockets in 1976 out of Maryland and played two years with the Rockets before being sent to Golden State. He played three more seasons -- including his final year -- later toward the end of his career. He averaged 11.5 points in his time here. less

15 - John Lucas

Lucas was the No. 1 draft pick by the Rockets in 1976 out of Maryland and played two years with the Rockets before being sent to Golden State. He played three more seasons -- including his ... more

Photo: AP

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16 - George Johnson

Johnson played two years with the Rockets in the early 1970s, scoring 97 points in 45 games. He is the only player to wear No. 16 for the Rockets.

16 - George Johnson

Johnson played two years with the Rockets in the early 1970s, scoring 97 points in 45 games. He is the only player to wear No. 16 for the Rockets.

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rockets

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17 - Mario Elie

Elie played five seasons in Houston and was a key contributor on the two NBA title teams. He averaged more than 11 points in each of his final two seasons in town. He's best remembered for the Kiss of Death 3-pointer that eliminated the Suns in the 1995 playoffs. less

17 - Mario Elie

Elie played five seasons in Houston and was a key contributor on the two NBA title teams. He averaged more than 11 points in each of his final two seasons in town. He's best remembered for the ... more

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Houston Chronicle

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18 - Cedric Maxwell

Maxwell, best known for winning two titles with the Celtics and being named MVP of the 1981 NBA Finals, played the final season and a half of his 11-year career with the Rockets. He averaged about five points in 117 games. less

18 - Cedric Maxwell

Maxwell, best known for winning two titles with the Celtics and being named MVP of the 1981 NBA Finals, played the final season and a half of his 11-year career with the Rockets. He ... more

Photo: Getty

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19 - Mike Harris

The former Rice star is the only player in franchise history to wear this number. Harris has averaged 3.2 points in 29 games with the Rockets.

19 - Mike Harris

The former Rice star is the only player in franchise history to wear this number. Harris has averaged 3.2 points in 29 games with the Rockets.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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20 - Jon Barry

Barry was a former ballboy with the Rockets and finished his 14-year career with 73 games over two seasons in Houston in 2004-06. He averaged 6.2 points in 73 games.

20 - Jon Barry

Barry was a former ballboy with the Rockets and finished his 14-year career with 73 games over two seasons in Houston in 2004-06. He averaged 6.2 points in 73 games.

Photo: Kevin Fujii / Houston Chronicle

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21 - Sleepy Floyd

Floyd played six seasons with the Rockets, from 1988-1993. He played every game in four consecutive seasons with the Rockets and started every game in 1988-89. He averaged 11.4 points as a Rocket. The Rockets made the playoffs in five of his seasons. less

21 - Sleepy Floyd

Floyd played six seasons with the Rockets, from 1988-1993. He played every game in four consecutive seasons with the Rockets and started every game in 1988-89. He averaged 11.4 points as a ... more

Photo: Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle

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22 - Clyde Drexler

The Hall of Famer was a mid-season acquisition in 1994-95 and helped the Rockets win their second consecutive NBA title. He averaged 18.9 points as a Rocket and scored 22,195 points in his NBA career. less

22 - Clyde Drexler

The Hall of Famer was a mid-season acquisition in 1994-95 and helped the Rockets win their second consecutive NBA title. He averaged 18.9 points as a Rocket and scored 22,195 points in his ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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23 - Calvin Murphy

Murphy is the shortest player in the Hall of Fame. The 5-9 Murphy is second in franchise history in points (17,949) and steals (1,165) and first in assists (4,402). Murphy is also one of the best free-throw shooters of all time, with an 89.2 percent career mark. less

23 - Calvin Murphy

Murphy is the shortest player in the Hall of Fame. The 5-9 Murphy is second in franchise history in points (17,949) and steals (1,165) and first in assists (4,402). Murphy is also one of ... more

Photo: Tim Johnson / Houston Chronicle

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24 - Moses Malone

The Hall of Famer played six seasons with the Rockets and had an MVP season in 1981-82 when he averaged 31 points and an NBA best 14.7 rebounds and led the Rockets to the NBA Finals. In his six years in Houston, Malone averaged 15 rebounds a game. He left Houston as a free agent for Philadelphia, where he finally won an NBA title. less

24 - Moses Malone

The Hall of Famer played six seasons with the Rockets and had an MVP season in 1981-82 when he averaged 31 points and an NBA best 14.7 rebounds and led the Rockets to the NBA Finals. In his ... more

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle

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25 - Robert Horry

The Rockets drafted Horry 11th overall in the 1992 draft. He started from Day 1, averaging just 10.6 points in four seasons in Houston but developing a reputation for clutch shooting that helped the Rockets to two titles. The seven-time NBA champion was part of the deal that brought Charles Barkley to the Rockets from Phoenix. less

25 - Robert Horry

The Rockets drafted Horry 11th overall in the 1992 draft. He started from Day 1, averaging just 10.6 points in four seasons in Houston but developing a reputation for clutch shooting that ... more

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Houston Chronicle

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27 - Caldwell Jones

He was a full-time starter for two seasons in the early 1980s and was one of three Jones brothers (Charles, Major) to play for the Rockets. He averaged 10 points in his last year.

27 - Caldwell Jones

He was a full-time starter for two seasons in the early 1980s and was one of three Jones brothers (Charles, Major) to play for the Rockets. He averaged 10 points in his last year.

Photo: Timothy Bullard / Houston Chronicle

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29 - Marcus Camby

The four-time all-defensive pick and former Defensive Player of the Year became a Rocket at the 2012 trade deadline to solidify the defense and rebounding off the bench.

29 - Marcus Camby

The four-time all-defensive pick and former Defensive Player of the Year became a Rocket at the 2012 trade deadline to solidify the defense and rebounding off the bench.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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30 - Kenny Smith

Smith was the starting point guard on the two Rockets' title teams during his six years in town. He averaged 11 points and four assists during the title years. He was best known for his Game 1 performance in the 1995 Finals, when he made seven 3-pointers. He finished in the top 10 in 3-point percentage in three straight seasons. less

30 - Kenny Smith

Smith was the starting point guard on the two Rockets' title teams during his six years in town. He averaged 11 points and four assists during the title years. He was best known for his Game ... more

Photo: Dave Einsel / Houston Chronicle

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31 - Shane Battier

Battier played four-plus seasons in Houston and became a fan favorite as a defensive stalwart. Battier's best offensive season in Houston was in 2006-07 when he averaged 10.1 points.

31 - Shane Battier

Battier played four-plus seasons in Houston and became a fan favorite as a defensive stalwart. Battier's best offensive season in Houston was in 2006-07 when he averaged 10.1 points.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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32 - Lewis Lloyd

Lloyd averaged 16.9 points to help lead the Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals, which they lost in six games to the Celtics. He averaged a career-best 17.8 points in 1983-84.

32 - Lewis Lloyd

Lloyd averaged 16.9 points to help lead the Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals, which they lost in six games to the Celtics. He averaged a career-best 17.8 points in 1983-84.

Photo: AP

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33 - Otis Thorpe

Thorpe is ninth in franchise history in points (8,177) and fifth in rebounds (5,010). He was the starting power foward on the Rockets' first title team, averaging 14 points and 10.6 rebounds that season. less

33 - Otis Thorpe

Thorpe is ninth in franchise history in points (8,177) and fifth in rebounds (5,010). He was the starting power foward on the Rockets' first title team, averaging 14 points and 10.6 rebounds ... more

Photo: Ira Strickstein / Houston Chronicle

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34 - Hakeem Olajuwon

The Dream. Simply put, he is the best player in franchise history and one of the best team-sport athletes in Houston history. He's one of the best centers in NBA history. He re-wrote the Rockets record book, finishing with 26,511 points and 3,740 blocks (the most in NBA history). less

34 - Hakeem Olajuwon

The Dream. Simply put, he is the best player in franchise history and one of the best team-sport athletes in Houston history. He's one of the best centers in NBA history. He re-wrote the ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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35 - Scott Padgett

Padgett played two-plus seasons with the Rockets. He was a power forward with 3-point shooting range (finishing with 43 percent in 2003-04).

35 - Scott Padgett

Padgett played two-plus seasons with the Rockets. He was a power forward with 3-point shooting range (finishing with 43 percent in 2003-04).

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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40 - Shandon Anderson

Anderson was signed from the Jazz after they reached the NBA Finals in back-to-back years. He averaged 10.5 points with the Rockets in 2000-2001.

40 - Shandon Anderson

Anderson was signed from the Jazz after they reached the NBA Finals in back-to-back years. He averaged 10.5 points with the Rockets in 2000-2001.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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41 - Glen Rice

Rice, a three-time All-Star, played 82 games in two seasons with the Rockets. He averaged 8.9 points.

41 - Glen Rice

Rice, a three-time All-Star, played 82 games in two seasons with the Rockets. He averaged 8.9 points.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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42 - Kevin Willis

Willis played three seasons of his his 21-year career with the Rockets. Willis averaged 11.8 points and 7.8 rebounds with the Rockets and became a fan favorite.

42 - Kevin Willis

Willis played three seasons of his his 21-year career with the Rockets. Willis averaged 11.8 points and 7.8 rebounds with the Rockets and became a fan favorite.

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Houston Chronicle

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43 - Jim Petersen

The Rockets drafted Petersen in the third round of the 1984 draft, and he was the starting power forward on the 1986 Finals team. He averaged 7.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in four seasons with the Rockets. less

43 - Jim Petersen

The Rockets drafted Petersen in the third round of the 1984 draft, and he was the starting power forward on the 1986 Finals team. He averaged 7.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in four seasons with ... more

Photo: AP

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44 - Elvin Hayes

The Hall of Famer started his career with the San Diego Rockets and finished his career with three seasons in Houston, averaging 20.6 points and 12.1 rebounds in seven years with the franchise.

44 - Elvin Hayes

The Hall of Famer started his career with the San Diego Rockets and finished his career with three seasons in Houston, averaging 20.6 points and 12.1 rebounds in seven years with the franchise.

Photo: Larry Reese / Houston Chronicle

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45 - Rudy Tomjanovich

Rudy T is, fittingly, the only player ever to wear No. 45. It was retired. He was a five-time All-Star and is third in points scored in franchise history. He later led Houston to its two NBA titles as coach and is regarded as one of the most beloved Rockets ever. less

45 - Rudy Tomjanovich

Rudy T is, fittingly, the only player ever to wear No. 45. It was retired. He was a five-time All-Star and is third in points scored in franchise history. He later led Houston to its two ... more

Photo: Tim Johnson / Houston Chronicle

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50 - Ralph Sampson

He was drafted No. 1 overall out of Virginia in the 1983 NBA draft and was an All-Star each of his four full seasons in Houston. Sampson averaged 19.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in Houston.

50 - Ralph Sampson

He was drafted No. 1 overall out of Virginia in the 1983 NBA draft and was an All-Star each of his four full seasons in Houston. Sampson averaged 19.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in Houston.

Photo: Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle

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51 - Jawann Oldham

Oldham, the only player ever to wear No. 51, played 22 games with the Rockets in the 1981-82 season. He scored 34 points, with a career high of five.

51 - Jawann Oldham

Oldham, the only player ever to wear No. 51, played 22 games with the Rockets in the 1981-82 season. He scored 34 points, with a career high of five.

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rockets

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52 - Chuck Nevitt

Nevitt was drafted by the Rockets in 1982 and played three seasons overall in Houston. He is the second tallest player in Rockets history at 7-foot-5.

52 - Chuck Nevitt

Nevitt was drafted by the Rockets in 1982 and played three seasons overall in Houston. He is the second tallest player in Rockets history at 7-foot-5.

Photo: Ira Strickstein / Houston Chronicle

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53 - Stanley Roberts

Roberts is the only player ever to wear No. 53. He scored 14 points in six games in the 1998-99 season.

53 - Stanley Roberts

Roberts is the only player ever to wear No. 53. He scored 14 points in six games in the 1998-99 season.

Photo: MICHAEL CAULFIELD / AP

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54 - Patrick Patterson

Patterson was picked 14th overall in the 2010 draft by the Rockets. Patterson averaged a career-best 11.6 points per game in his third and final season in Houston.

54 - Patrick Patterson

Patterson was picked 14th overall in the 2010 draft by the Rockets. Patterson averaged a career-best 11.6 points per game in his third and final season in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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55 - Dikembe Mutombo

The eight-time All-Star and defensive dynamo finished his NBA career with four seasons in Houston. He averaged 3.3 points and 5.5 blocks here. He also was a part of the Rockets' memorable 22-game winning streak in 2008. less

55 - Dikembe Mutombo

The eight-time All-Star and defensive dynamo finished his NBA career with four seasons in Houston. He averaged 3.3 points and 5.5 blocks here. He also was a part of the Rockets' memorable ... more

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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88 - Alexey Shved

For nine games during the 2014-15 season, Alexey Shved became the only player in Rockets history to wear No. 88.

88 - Alexey Shved

For nine games during the 2014-15 season, Alexey Shved became the only player in Rockets history to wear No. 88.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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96 - Metta World Peace

Formerly known as Ron Artest, Metta World Peace averaged 17.1 points in his one season in Houston, 2008-2009.

96 - Metta World Peace

Formerly known as Ron Artest, Metta World Peace averaged 17.1 points in his one season in Houston, 2008-2009.